Page 31 of Can't Fight the Moonlight

"You're on vacation, but I'm not. I have a lot at stake, and this is a big week for the inn."

"Then I'll try not to distract you."

She had a feeling just his presence at the inn would be enough to distract her, but she wasn't going to tell him that.

"Before I say good night…" he began.

A shiver ran down her spine as she thought he might steal another kiss.While she should push him away, would she?

"Do you know where I can get a computer and phone tomorrow?"

His very practical question brought her down to earth, but she couldn't stop the unexpected shiver of disappointment that ran through her. "Yes. You can find just about every mobile phone retailer on Adams Street, as well as a computer store. It's six blocks away. You just head back toward Micky's but turn right on Valmont and left on Adams. Do you want me to write it down?"

"I've got it. Thanks."

He opened the door for her, and she stepped into the lobby. Shay wasn't at the desk, but she could see her manager talking to one of the guests in the living room.

"Do you need anything else tonight?" It was a question she often asked her guests, but now it seemed to take on a lot more meaning, and she could feel her cheeks growing warm.

He gave her an amused smile. Apparently, she was a little too easy to read.

"I better say no," he told her. "Because I don't want to distract you."

"I was talking about bottled water or a mint, maybe a newspaper?"

"I'm fine. I might try that book by my bed."

"I hope you enjoy it." She drew in a breath, wondering why it was so difficult to turn away. But that's what she needed to do. "Have a good night, Justin."

"You, too, Lizzie."

She forced herself to move. She walked around the desk and then through the door to her office. When she was finally alone, she let out a breath, feeling more unsettled than she had in a long time. But she'd done it. She'd walked away. She'd said no. That was the end of it.

Maybe…unless she changed her mind. Five nights of fun was rather tempting.

A knock came at her half-open door, and she jumped. It wasn’t Justin; it was Shay.

"How was your night?" Shay asked, as she stepped into the room.

"Good. Everything quiet around here?"

"Yes, no problems. I've confirmed all the details for tomorrow. Naomi will be in the kitchen at six a.m. as per her usual shift. She'll take a three-hour break between eleven and two and then she'll work from two to six to provide food for the cocktail party. Karen will be working the same morning shift but will come in from four to eight to cover serving and cleanup. Victor will cover the desk from noon to four thirty and then will take over as a bartender during the event. He'll also stay until eight to help with cleanup." Shay looked down at the electronic tablet in her hand. "Sharilyn and Margarita will be on cleaning tomorrow. They'll be working from ten until three on guest rooms and the common areas." She glanced back at Lizzie. "I think that's it."

"Thank you for being so organized. I feel like I've just been putting out fires lately."

"Well, I am sorry about earlier with Patty and Noah and the police. That shouldn't have happened."

"I spoke to Victor. He knows he's on thin ice. He said his girlfriend is pregnant."

"Is that why he's been so rattled? That makes sense."

"I couldn't fire him."

Shay gave her a knowing look. "I figured, but he needs to do better."

"I hope he will."

"Anyway, I'll be leaving early in the morning, but if you have any questions, you can call me, not that you can't run this place better than anyone else here." Shay gave her a guilty look. "I feel bad leaving you with the party and an inn full of guests."

---